Pawsitively Purrfect: 150+ Names for Polydactyl Cats

Polydactyl cats, often affectionately called “Hemingway cats” or “mitten cats,” possess a unique charm thanks to their extra toes. These fascinating felines are born with more than the typical five digits on their front paws or four on their back paws, giving them distinctively large and often adorable feet. Throughout history, these multi-toed companions have been seen as symbols of good fortune, particularly for sailors navigating treacherous seas, sometimes associated with mystical lore, and famously cherished by author Ernest Hemingway. This rich background provides a wealth of inspiration for finding the perfect moniker. If you’re looking for unique Names For Polydactyl Cats that celebrate their special trait, you’ve come to the right place. Here are over 150 suggestions, most suitable for any gender, to help you name your extraordinary kitty.

alt: Close-up of a polydactyl cat’s paw showing extra toes resting on a surface

Names Inspired by Extra Toes & Numbers

Highlighting the very feature that makes them special, these names draw inspiration from the count of their toes or the concept of multiplicity.

• Acht – The German word for “eight.”
• Antoenia – A fun, feminine pun on “a toe near”. Embrace the wordplay!
• Antoeny – The masculine version of the toe pun, Antoenia.
• Baat – The Cantonese word for “eight.”
• Ba – The Mandarin word for “eight.”
• Bay – The Vietnamese word for “seven.”
• Chil – The Korean word for “seven.”
• Chin – The Vietnamese word for “nine.”
• Dactyl – Directly referencing the “polydactyl” term itself.
• Dieci – The Italian word for “ten.”
• Diez – The Spanish word for “ten.”
• Digit – A straightforward name celebrating those extra digits.
• Dixie – Derived from the French word “dix” for “ten.”
• Gau – The Cantonese word for “nine.”
• Gu – The Korean word for “nine.”
• Hachi – The Japanese word for “eight.”

alt: A polydactyl cat with extra toes curled up comfortably on a soft blanket

• Huit – The French word for “eight.”
• Jiu – The Mandarin word for “nine.”
• Jyuu – The Japanese word for “ten.”
• Kyuu – The Japanese word for “nine.”
• Liu – The Chinese word for “six.” It can also carry the meaning “to kill,” perhaps a subtle nod to the sailor belief that these cats were superior mousers.
• Lucky Seven – Perfect for a cat boasting seven toes and radiating good fortune.
• Multi – Short for “multiple,” acknowledging the extra toes.
• Muoi – The Vietnamese word for “ten.”
• Neuf – The French word for “nine.”
• Neun – The German word for “nine.”
• Nove – The Italian word for “nine.”
• Nueve – The Spanish word for “nine.”
• Ocho – The Spanish word for “eight.”
• Octavia – A feminine Latin name meaning “eight.”
• Octavius – A masculine Latin name meaning “eight.”
• Otto – The Italian word for “eight.”

alt: Close-up of a cat looking up towards a person, suggesting communication or companionship

• Pal – The Korean word for “eight.”
• Pinky – A cute option, especially if one of the extra toes resembles a little pinky finger.
• Poly – From the Greek prefix meaning “many.”
• Qi – The Mandarin word for “seven.”
• Roku – The Japanese word for “six.”
• Sap – The Cantonese word for “ten.”
• Saith – A Welsh name that means “seven.”
• Sau – The Vietnamese word for “six.”
• Sechs – The German word for “six.”
• Sei – The Italian word for “six.”
• Seis – The Spanish word for “six.”
• Septimus – The Latin word for “seventh.”
• Sette – The Italian word for “seven.”
• Seven – A lucky number often associated with these cats.
• Seventh Heaven – A sweet and evocative name for a seven-toed friend.
• Seven Wonders – Referencing the ancient wonders, a grand name for a seven-toed marvel.
• Shesh – The Hebrew word for “six.”
• Sheva – The Hebrew word for “seven.”
• Shichi – The Japanese word for “seven.”

alt: Detailed view of a polydactyl cat’s paw highlighting the extra digits

• Shi – The Mandarin word for “ten.”
• Shmoneh – The Hebrew word for “eight.”
• Siete – The Spanish word for “seven.”
• Sip – The Korean word for “ten.”
• Sixer – A cool name for a six-toed cat.
• Sixy Cat – A playful pun, because it sounds like “sexy cat.”
• Tam – The Vietnamese word for “eight.”
• Theta – The eighth letter of the Greek alphabet.
• Thumbelina – After the tiny character from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale, perfect for a dainty cat with thumb-like extra toes.
• Toebias – Another fantastic toe pun!
• Toeby – A cute nickname derived from Toebias.
• Toeny – A nickname derived from Antoeny.
• Tom Thumb – Inspired by the character from English folklore, great for a male cat.
• Yuk – The Korean word for “six.”
• Zehn – The German word for “ten.”

alt: Cat using a scratching post next to a cat tree, representing typical feline behavior and enrichment

Lucky & Fortunate Names

Polydactyl cats have long been considered good luck charms. Celebrate this belief with a name signifying fortune and serendipity.

• Boone – Meaning “blessing” or “good fortune.”
• Chance – Reflecting the good luck associated with multi-toed felines.
• Charm – Because your polydactyl cat is undoubtedly a good luck charm.
• Chauncy – An old name meaning “gamble” or “fortune.”
• Clover – Like a four-leaf clover, an extra toe is seen by some as a sign of luck.
• Faust – A Latin name meaning “fortunate one.”
• Felicia – A Latin name meaning “lucky” or “fortunate.”
• Felicity – Another beautiful variation meaning “good fortune” or “happiness.”
• Felix – Meaning “lucky” or “successful” in Latin, and famously the name of a cartoon cat.
• Fortuna – Named after the Roman goddess of fortune.
• Gluck – The German word for “luck.”
• Horseshoe – Symbolizing both the shape of their paws and the traditional good luck charm.
• Lakshmi – Named after the Hindu goddess of good fortune, wealth, and prosperity.
• Lucky – A classic and direct name for a cat considered a good omen.
• Machiko – A Japanese name meaning “fortunate child.”
• Mazal – The Hebrew word for “luck.”
• Rabbitfoot – Another object traditionally believed to bring good luck.
• Serendipity – Meaning “unexpected good fortune,” a lovely, lyrical name.
• Shreya – An Indian name meaning “auspicious” or “fortunate.”
• Tashi – A Tibetan word for “auspiciousness” or “good fortune.”
• Venturo – A Spanish name meaning “good luck” or “fortune.”

alt: American Polydactyl cat with prominent extra toes sitting attentively

Nautical & Sailor-Inspired Names

Honoring the legacy of polydactyl cats as cherished companions aboard ships, believed to bring luck and be excellent mousers.

• Admiral – A high-ranking naval title, fitting for a lucky ship’s cat.
• Barbeau – A French name meaning “fisherman.”
• Captain – Another seafaring leadership name for your lucky charm.
• Devere – A French name meaning “of the fishing place.”
• First Mate – The captain’s right-hand, a sweet nautical title.
• Fisher – A direct nod to the sailors and fishermen who valued these cats.
• Fisk – Danish or Icelandic for “fish.”
• Matey – An informal term for a shipmate or friend.
• Oceana – A beautiful name evoking the sea these cats often traveled.
• Pirate – For a cat with seafaring luck and perhaps a mischievous streak.
• Sailor – A simple, classic tribute to their maritime history.
• Seabreeze – A gentle, ocean-themed name.
• Skipper – An informal name for a ship’s captain.
• Storm – Ironically named after the very weather sailors hoped their lucky cats would help them avoid.
• Tidal – A pretty name connected to the ocean’s rhythm.
• Wave – Another simple, evocative ocean-themed name.

alt: Two American Polydactyl cats together, one showing its multi-toed paw

Names Inspired by Hemingway

American author Ernest Hemingway famously adored polydactyl cats at his Key West home. Today, dozens of their descendants still roam the Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum.

• Ernest – Naming your cat after the famous author himself.
• Hemingway – Using the iconic surname as a distinguished name.
• Snow White – The name of Hemingway’s original beloved six-toed cat, a gift from a ship captain.

Mystical & Witchy Names

In continental Europe, unlike coastal areas, polydactyl cats were sometimes viewed with suspicion and linked to witchcraft due to their unusual appearance. These names reclaim that history with a touch of magic.

• Changeling – From folklore, a fairy child swapped for a human baby, often marked by unusual features. Perhaps your cat has fae roots?
• Fae – A simple, magical name suggesting fairy origins.
• Hex – A short, witchy name with a powerful sound.
• Jinx – Another name associated with magic and spells.
• Mage – A practitioner of magic.
• Magic – Capturing the enchantment surrounding these unique cats.
• Omen – Suggesting your cat is a sign, hopefully a good one!
• Poppet – Dolls used in folk magic, connecting to magical traditions.
• Sorcerer / Sorceress – Powerful magic users.
• Witch / Wizard – Classic names embracing the magical association.

alt: Profile view of a polydactyl cat sitting gracefully, showcasing its distinct paw structure

Names Based on Big Paws

Their extra toes often result in larger-than-average paws, resembling mittens or the feet of larger animals.

• Bear – For a cat with big, sturdy paws like a bear cub.
• Bigfoot – A playful name referencing the legendary creature known for large footprints.
• Claw – Simple, direct, and fitting for a cat.
• Clubber – Referencing the sometimes club-like appearance of polydactyl paws.
• Cougar – Naming your kitty after a larger wild cat known for its paws.
• Elephant – For truly impressive paws, reminiscent of these gentle giants. Can be shortened to Ellie.
• Flipper – A funny comparison for wide, flat paws.
• Footsie – An adorable, playful name referencing their unique feet.
• Ganesha – The name of the elephant-headed Hindu god.
• Giant – Celebrating the impressive size of their paws.
• Hoofer – A humorous name for paws that seem almost like hooves.
• Hunter – Reflecting the belief they were skilled mousers, aided by their paws.
• Knuckles – A fun, tough-sounding name inspired by the look of extra digits.
• Lion – A regal name for a cat with commanding paws.
• Mittens / Mitt – A very popular and fitting choice, as their paws often look like mittens.
• Mouser – Referencing their historical reputation as skilled hunters on ships.
• Paddie – A sweet name referencing the little pads on their paws.
• Panther – Especially fitting for a sleek black cat with large paws.
• Paws – Simple, classic, and to the point!
• Sasquatch – Another name for Bigfoot.
• Snow Shoe – Perfect for a white polydactyl cat, evoking images of walking on snow.

alt: Cat meticulously grooming its paw, suitable for illustrating cat care themes

• Tiger – Ideal for a striped orange tabby with impressive paws.
• Tootsie – A cute, affectionate term for feet.
• Webber – Referencing the sometimes webbed appearance between the extra toes.
• Yeti – Another name for the large-footed abominable snowman.

alt: Adorable grey tabby polydactyl cat looking curiously at the camera, highlighting its unique paws

Unique & Playful Names

These names are fun, creative, and capture the lighthearted spirit of having such a special cat.

• Dancer / Prancer – Celebrating the unique way they might move on their special feet.
• Footloose – A fun movie reference for a cat with fancy feet.
• Freak – Used affectionately to celebrate their wonderful uniqueness!
• Paw Patrol – Borrowing from the popular kids’ show about helpful pups – why not for a cat?
• Twinkletoes – A funny, endearing name that brings a smile.

alt: A ginger polydactyl cat displaying its paw with multiple digits clearly visible

Polydactyl cats truly are special creatures, carrying unique physical traits and a rich history intertwined with human folklore and companionship. Their extra toes make them stand out, and finding a name that acknowledges this distinction can be a fun way to honor your exceptional feline friend. Whether you choose a name inspired by luck, history, their adorable big paws, or simple numerics, we hope this extensive list provides the perfect inspiration for naming your polydactyl cat.